Einstein, Bohr and the Quantum Dilemma: From Quantum Theory to Quantum Information [Paperback]

Andrew Whitaker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 17, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0521671027 | ISBN-13: 978-0521671026 | Edition: 2

Quantum theory, the most successful physical theory of all time, provoked intense debate between the twentieth century's two greatest physicists, Niels Bohr and Albert Einstein. Quantum information theory has emerged from intensive study of the structure and interpretation of quantum theory to become one of the fastest growing areas of twenty-first century science. This second edition has been extensively revised and updated to cover recent developments, including the findings of papers published since the well-received first edition. A substantial new chapter is devoted to the development and structure of quantum information theory. Developments in the experimental and theoretical study of Bell's Theorem are also covered in detail, and the accounts of ongoing work have been brought up to date. A fascinating account of the development of quantum theory, this book will appeal to anyone with an interest in the fundamental questions of physics, its philosophy and its history.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Whitaker takes us all the way from the 19th century classical world inherited from Newton and Maxwell, through the quantum revolution and all the way to the present day ideas of quantum information.... The topic is, of course, a technically challenging one, but Whitaker opts for a bare minimum of mathematics, concentrating instead on the concepts involved. The result could, very easily, have been either superficial or impenetrable. That it is neither is a remarkable testament to Whitaker's scholarship, enthusiasm for his subject and to his skill as a writer. His book can be recommended strongly to anyone who is interested in the development of quantum theory or, indeed, to our current understanding of the physical world."
Stephen M. Barnett, University of Strathclyde

Book Description

Written for those interested in the fundamental questions of physics, this book provides a fascinating account of the development of quantum theory. Revised and updated to cover recent developments, this second edition devotes a substantial new chapter to the development and structure of quantum information theory.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 2 edition (July 17, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521671027
• ISBN-13: 978-0521671026
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #307,113 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #35 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Physics > Gravity

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent overview, August 17, 2006

By 

Couder "JC" (Belgium) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Einstein, Bohr and the Quantum Dilemma: From Quantum Theory to Quantum Information (Paperback)

For students of physics, professional physicists and interested lay persons this is undoubtedly the most complete and objective overview of the many 'interpretations' of quantum mechanics as of today. For those interested in looking "behind the mathematical formalism of QM" an absolute must read.

One minor point of critique though: this book explicitly addresses lay persons (which is supposedly why you won't find many equations in the book). Although in chapters 2 - 4 prof Whitaker splendidly epitomizes the evolution of classical (with a glance at relativity) and quantum mechanics, I fear those readers not already familiar with physics may find this a little too terse (a lot of ground is covered in very few pages). Chapters 5 - 7 explaining the Bohr-Einstein debate and Bell's theorem are simply splendid reading for everyone. Chapter 8, rounding up recent developments, is very comprehensive, but again, the average lay person may find the summaries of quite a number of recent articles a bit tedious in the end (but ideal for students or physicists). Chapter 9 introduces quantum information theory, again a very good overview, but in my opinion a bit out of place and surely a subject that is worthy of a book on its own.

All in all, there are many good popular science books out there explaining one or two QM interpretations, but this one covers them all, and it's absolutely the best explaining the Bohr-Einstein debate and the impact of Bell's theorem on this debate.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dillema is spelt "dilemma", July 10, 2000

By 

R. H. Barton (UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Einstein, Bohr and the Quantum Dilemma (Paperback)

This book is an excellent introduction, summary of and history of the debate on interpretation of quantum theory, a subject which demands careful reading. As such, it may be read to profit by those interested in some of the twists and turns of "received opinion". It is not for those who might like their pages covered in equations (- the text discusses J S Bell's elucidation of Von Neumann's errors on the subject of hidden variable theories - a clear case where the mathematics concealed rather than revealed). The book is widely referenced which should have enough range of material to satisfy and extend readers at all levels. In my top ten on the subject area.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb history and introduction, May 19, 2006

By 

sargoxyz - See all my reviews

This review is from: Einstein, Bohr and the Quantum Dilemma (Paperback)

This is not a textbook; it is a combined history and introduction to modern physics. It is clear, well written and a good starting point for anyone interested in Relativity or Quantum Theory.